Crossing the Polar Circle
Become one of the lucky few to venture south of the Antarctic Circle into a rarely visited area of magnificent mountains and colossal icebergs.
The aim on this voyage is to travel as far south as ice and weather will permit, and cross the Antarctic Circle at 66° 33' 44" South. You'll sail further down the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula than on a 'Classic Antarctica' trip, and feel a mounting sense of excitement as you push south towards the Antarctic Circle. The temperature will drop noticeably as you cross the circle and enter the rarely visited waters beyond. South of the circle you'll attempt a landing on the continent, and may have a chance to visit a research station.
On your journey south you'll navigate some of the world's most scenic waterways - many littered with huge icebergs - and experience some of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring terrain the continent has to offer. The steep glacial walls of the narrow Lemaire Channel tower above the ship on each side as it leads to a jigsaw of jewel-like islands, home to penguin rookeries and elephant seals, while whales swim in the sheltered water - a true paradise for photographers. You'll have plenty of time ashore to explore the great White Continent, or you can just sit on a rock and be amused by the penguins' antics: Adelie, gentoo and chinstrap penguins are all found at these latitudes.
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is still a rare and impressive achievement, which you'll celebrate with a well-earned champagne toast, raising your glass in homage to the intrepid explorers who have passed this way before you.
The route taken depends on ice and weather conditions; some trips may visit the Antarctic Peninsula on the way back to Ushuaia, rather than on the way south.
- Itinerary
- Most voyages are 12 or 13 days* in duration; a typical itinerary is illustrated below.
- Day 1
- Embark in Ushuaia.
- Days 2-3
- At sea, start your journey towards the Antarctic Circle.
- Days 4-9
- Sailing south, you route takes you towards the fabled Antarctic Circle. The temperature will drop noticeably as you cross the Antarctic Circle and enter the rarely visited waters beyond. You will navigate the waterways and channels, looking for different penguin species and other wildlife. South of the circle, you'll attempt a landing, and may have the chance to visit a research station. This is an exploratory journey taking in wildlife, scenery and history of the region.
- Days 10-11
- Sail back across the infamous Drake Passage, with sightings of wales, dolphins and seabirds.
- Day 12
- Arive in Ushuaia and disembark.
- *Some trips avoid the Drake Passage by flying in one or both directions - please ask for details.
- Note: the itinerary varies according to vessel, departure date, local ice and weather conditions, the availability of landing sites and opportunities to see wildlife.
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Dates & Prices:
Aboard Plancius - Click here
Aboard Polar Pioneer - Click here
Aboard Akademik Ioffe - Click here
Aboard - Akademik Sergey Vavilov Click here - Embark: Ushuaia, Argentina
- Disembark: Ushuaia, Argentina
- Voyage duration: 12 or 13 days
- Departures: November to March
- Single supplement: Please ask about our cabin share programme which enables solo travellers to share a cabin with another solo traveller.
- What's Included: Voyage based on twin-share cabin; all meals on board; guided shore and Zodiac excursions; transfers; expedition jacket on selected ships.
- Flight & Accommodation Package: Please check with us for the latest flight prices to Ushuaia via Buenos Aires and accommodation before and/or after the cruise. 1 night pre-cruise in Ushuaia is essential, and you may wish to add extra nights in Buenos Aires or Ushuaia.
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